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Science News for December 28, 2023


Breakthrough in hydrate-based desalination technique unveiled

A new method for desalinating seawater using hydrate-based desalination technology has been developed, offering a low-energy solution for producing freshwater. The research team calculated optimal temperatures for enhanced efficiency, with maximum water yields reaching up to 67% in certain brine concentrations.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalWater Research·DateDec 28, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New perspectives on treating gallbladder inflammation

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, discovered that ischaemic cholecystitis is more common in critically ill patients due to poor blood perfusion. The study also found that the gallbladder receives its blood supply from a terminal artery, making it susceptible to ischaemia.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateDec 28, 2023

Can we trust students to collect data ready to use in scientific research?

A study found that 64% of students did not engage in problematic behaviors, while 26% let participants take part despite knowing the hypothesis. Supervisors underestimated the prevalence of certain behaviors, highlighting the need for improved communication and Open Science education.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateDec 28, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Further evidence for quark-matter cores in massive neutron stars

A new study places the likelihood of massive neutron stars having deconfined quark matter at 80-90%. This is made possible through Bayesian statistical inference and massive supercomputer runs. The research has implications for our understanding of particle and nuclear physics, as well as astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 28, 2023

New concepts and recommendations in Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of coronary microvascular diseases

The Chinese expert consensus on CMVD diagnosis and treatment emphasizes standardized methods, six areas for classification, and recommendations for non-invasive diagnostic techniques. The consensus also highlights the need for further research into the pathogenesis of CMVD and its impact on cardiovascular events.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 28, 2023

Medicaid coverage of physical, behavioral health together does not improve access, care

A new study led by Oregon Health & Science University found that integrating physical and behavioral health services in Medicaid managed care did not lead to improved access or outcomes for patients. Despite the expectation that such integration would drive positive changes, the research revealed no statistically significant improvemen...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 28, 2023

One’s trash is another’s treasure: How landfills support Andean condors

A new study reveals that landfills in Chile's Loma Los Colorados host the largest known aggregation of Andean Condors. The birds' numbers are linked to food availability in the surrounding landscape and fluctuate with livestock movements. Landfill management is crucial to support condor conservation.

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 28, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Piezo composites with carbon fibers for motion sensors

Researchers at Tohoku University have engineered a novel device combining piezoelectric composites with carbon fibers, transforming kinetic energy into electricity for efficient motion sensing. The new device has been tested to withstand over 1000 stretches and surpasses other materials in terms of energy output density.

SourceTohoku University·JournalSmall·DateDec 28, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists discover new way to identify liquid water on exoplanets

Researchers have devised a new method to identify habitable planets and potentially inhabited planets by comparing atmospheric CO2 levels, which suggests the presence of liquid water. This signature can be detected with current telescopes, providing a path to identify life on exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 28, 2023

Post–COVID-19 condition in children 6 and 12 months after infection

A study of Canadian pediatric emergency departments found few children developed post-COVID-19 condition after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with overall quality of life not differing from uninfected peers. Despite increased chronic symptoms, most children recovered without long-term effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2023

Developing nanocatalysts to overcome limitations of water electrolysis technology

A team of researchers at KIST has developed a nanocatalyst that can withstand high temperatures above 600 degrees Celsius, enabling the efficient production of green hydrogen. The new nanocatalyst suppresses harmful compounds that cause degradation, resulting in improved performance and stability for water electrolysis cells.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateDec 28, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Cadmium and particulate matter toxicity

Exposure to different types of particulate matter induces varying levels of gene expression and cell morphology changes in lung epithelial cells. Cadmium is found to be at least partially responsible for the differences in toxicity between mixes.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 28, 2023

Blood poisoning keeping many people out of work

Research found that nearly four out of ten sepsis patients are still out of work two years after contracting the illness. Younger individuals and those with fewer chronic diagnoses were more likely to return to work.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCritical Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 28, 2023

Revolutionary breakthrough in nitrile activation unveils promising pathway for anticancer precursor synthesis

Researchers have developed a novel method to produce a selective anticancer precursor substance. The synthesis involves the reaction of metal-active oxygen species with nitrile, utilizing cost-effective metals at lower temperatures. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities in developing innovative drugs against cancer.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJACS Au·DateDec 28, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Oral peptides: A new era in drug development

Researchers have developed a new method to generate cyclic peptides that can target diseases and be administered orally, overcoming challenges in protein binding. The approach enables high-throughput screening and has shown substantial bioavailability in rats, opening possibilities for treating various diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 28, 2023

AI offers promise for earlier and more accurate HCC diagnosis

Recent advancements in AI, particularly deep learning and neural networks, offer significant potential for improving HCC diagnosis. Early detection of HCC is crucial, as curative treatments like surgery and liver transplant are only possible in the early stages.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateDec 28, 2023